Discover more at Tattershall Castle
Find out when Tattershall Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to see and do at Tattershall Castle
With its rich and varied past Tattershall Castle has a big personality and many stories to tell. From its 13th century foundations to its 15th century splendour, and from its 17th century abandonment to its 20th century rescue and restoration, there’s plenty to discover.
Explore the Great Tower
The magnificent 15th century keep was one of the first of its kind in England and has all the features you'd expect to find in a typical castle. However, with its large windows, ornate fireplaces and impressive chambers, it was built less for defence and more to impress.
There are seven storeys to discover, each originally having had its own distinct purpose and function.
Learn about the builder of the Castle and his personal emblems
Ralph Cromwell, 3rd Baron Cromwell (1393-1456), was Lord Treasurer to King Henry VI and held many other important political positions during his lifetime. His emblems included a purse and a plant called ‘Gromwell’, both of which feature prominently on the Castle’s fireplaces. How many will you find?
Go on a colourful journey through time
One of the final features, installed in 1918 as part of the Castle’s restoration, was the Great Tower’s stained glass. Each window represents a different owner. The windows were fitted in chronological order, top down, from Norman knight Eudo on the third floor to twentieth century diplomat Lord Curzon of Kedleston on the ground floor. In the year 2000 a window representing the stewardship of the National Trust completed the set.
Walk the battlements and admire the stunning views
The Castle sits between the flat Fens to the south and the rolling Wolds to the north. On a clear day the 360-degree views are something to behold. You'll see not only historic landmarks many miles away but if you’re lucky you may see planes take off from neighbouring RAF Coningsby.
Study the Flemish tapestries
Produced in the 16th and 17th centuries, the four tapestries that hang in the Great Tower were a finishing touch to the restoration work undertaken by Lord Curzon in the 1910s. They depict, in great detail, scenes from the Bible and from ancient history. How many different animals can you spot?
Enjoy a family-friendly outing
From the echoing chambers and maze of rooms in the Great Tower to the green grassy grounds with their rich red ruins, there are plenty of ways for your family to create special memories at Tattershall Castle.
You might climb the spiral staircase to the battlements (an adventure all of its own!) and see planes take off and land from RAF Coningsby. You might comb the walls for historical graffiti and see who can find the oldest dated example (1634, we think – can you find anything older?). Or you might try one of the games or activities to be found in many of the turret rooms.
Alternatively, there’s plenty of space to run, jump and explore outside in the grounds where, depending on the time of year, you might hear riotious rooks, see delightful dragonflies, smell lovely lime trees, or taste indulgent ice creams!
Please note: the castle grounds feature two moats that are unfenced with steep drops and contain water. Children must be supervised at all times.
Touch and feel history
The walls of the Great Tower are covered in historical graffiti, especially on the spiral staircase where the recessed handrail is silky smooth from centuries of touch. Look closely and you’ll find all sorts of images, doodles, names and dates from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. You might also find it hard to resist running your fingers over the intricate heraldic designs and carvings that cover the Great Tower's four stunning fireplaces.
Visit somewhere special
Tattershall is home to large colonies of bats and great crested newts, both of which are protected species in the UK. It is also one of the most notherly points in the UK that you’re likely to spot Egyptian geese, and one of the few places in the region where a plant called navelwort (umbilicus rupestris) grows. Depending on the time of year you’ll see beautiful displays of snowdrops, daffodils, purple and white violets, and wildflowers such as ox-eye daisy and viper’s bugloss.
Eat and shop
In our charming Visitor Reception building you’ll find a selection of cold drinks and snacks to purchase. You might also choose to pick up a guidebook or castle souvenir, or something to read from our small second-hand bookshop.
If the weather looks promising, why not pack a picnic to enjoy in the grounds? There are picnic tables and plenty of space on the grass, and we can even loan you a picnic blanket.
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